It’s a common misconception that capturing amazing photos in low light conditions requires a professional camera. Sure, those fancy cameras have their advantages, but with the right phone and a little know-how, you can capture stunning images even when the sun goes down. Today’s budget smartphones are packed with features that rival their pricier counterparts, and their cameras are no exception.
This year, we’re seeing incredible advancements in low-light photography on even the most affordable phones. Companies like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi are pushing the boundaries with innovative software and hardware that make it easier than ever to capture detailed and vibrant photos in dimly lit environments.
If you’re looking for a phone that can handle those low-light situations without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be highlighting three of the best budget camera phones for low light photography in 2024. We’ll dive into their key features, image quality, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.
So grab your phone, dim the lights, and get ready to be amazed! We’re about to explore the exciting world of budget-friendly low-light photography.
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| Google Pixel 6a |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OnePlus Nord N20 5G |  |
3.9 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G |  |
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Google Pixel 6a
Find more on Android 16 Best Camera Phone Choices in 2024
A great budget phone with a solid camera system that performs well in low light.
Read more on 18 Best Camera Phone in Samsung 2024
Specifications:
- Camera: 12.2MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Processor: Google Tensor
- Display: 6.4-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 4,410 mAh
- Price: Around $349
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent camera performance: The Pixel 6a consistently captures high-quality photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
- Google's photo processing: Google's computational photography prowess shines through, making the Pixel 6a a great choice for low-light photography.
- Clean software experience: Android 12 with Google's clean software experience ensures a smooth and efficient user interface.
Reasons to Avoid:
- No telephoto lens: The lack of a telephoto lens may limit your ability to zoom in on distant subjects.
- Limited storage: Only 128GB of storage may not be enough for some users.
What You Need to Know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a phone with an excellent camera and a clean software experience.
- You don't mind the lack of a telephoto lens.
- You value a budget-friendly option.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a lot of storage space.
- You're looking for a phone with a higher refresh rate.
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 6a is a compelling budget-friendly option that punches above its weight in low-light photography. Its excellent camera performance, thanks to Google's computational photography magic, makes it a great choice for capturing stunning photos and videos even in dimly lit environments. However, the lack of a telephoto lens and limited storage might be dealbreakers for some. Overall, the Pixel 6a delivers a well-rounded experience with a focus on photography, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize image quality.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Explore further with 14 Best Camera Phone Features and Overview
A budget-friendly phone with a decent camera, but its low-light performance might not be as impressive as other options.
Specifications:
- Camera: 64MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 4,500 mAh
- Price: Around $282
Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable price: The OnePlus Nord N20 5G offers great value for money.
- Decent display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Large battery: The 4,500 mAh battery can easily last for a full day.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Low-light camera performance: While the camera is decent, it might struggle in low-light conditions.
- Limited camera features: The lack of a telephoto lens and other advanced camera features might be a downside.
What You Need to Know:
Buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget and need a decent camera phone.
- You value a large battery and a smooth display.
- You're not too concerned about low-light photography.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with a top-of-the-line camera.
- You want a lot of camera features.
Bottom Line:
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a budget-friendly option that delivers a decent overall experience, including a respectable camera, a large battery, and a smooth display. However, its low-light performance might not be as impressive as other budget-friendly phones, and it lacks some of the advanced camera features found on pricier models. If you're on a budget and need a phone with a decent camera for everyday use, the Nord N20 5G is a solid choice. But if you prioritize low-light photography or advanced camera features, you might want to consider other options.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Check this blog on 3 Best Budget Camera Phones Under $300 2024
A well-rounded phone with a decent camera that holds its own in low-light, offering a balance of features and performance.
Specifications:
- Camera: 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Price: Around $449
Reasons to Buy:
- Solid camera system: The Galaxy A53 5G boasts a capable camera system that performs well in low-light conditions.
- IP67 water and dust resistance: The phone is protected against water and dust spills.
- Excellent display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and responsive visual experience.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Price: The Galaxy A53 5G is slightly more expensive than other budget-friendly options.
- Software updates: Software updates might be slower compared to flagship Samsung devices.
What You Need to Know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a well-rounded phone with a decent camera that performs well in low light.
- You value a large battery, a smooth display, and water resistance.
- You're willing to spend a little more for a more premium experience.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a very tight budget.
- You need the latest and greatest software features.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a solid choice for those seeking a well-balanced phone with a good camera that performs well in low-light conditions. It offers a combination of features, including a capable camera system, a smooth and responsive display, and a large battery. While it is slightly pricier than other budget-friendly options, the Galaxy A53 5G provides a premium experience with its water resistance and overall build quality. If you're looking for a phone that can handle low-light photography while offering a balance of performance and features, the Galaxy A53 5G is definitely worth considering.
Learn more about 22 Best Camera Phone Under 15000 in 2024
So, there you have it – the top 3 budget camera phones for low light photography in 2024. Each of these phones offer impressive low light performance at a price point that won't break the bank. Whether you're a budding photographer looking to capture stunning shots in dimly lit settings or just someone who wants to take better photos at night, these phones have you covered.
Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the best overall low light performance, the [phone name] is the way to go. If you want the most value for your money, the [phone name] is a great option. And if you're looking for a phone with a great camera and a sleek design, the [phone name] is a solid choice.
No matter which phone you choose, you're sure to be impressed with the quality of low light photos you can capture. With the right camera phone, you can take stunning photos in any lighting condition.
With the rapidly evolving world of mobile photography, you can expect even more impressive low light capabilities from budget camera phones in the near future. Stay tuned for our next article where we'll be exploring the best phones for other photography niches!